I am 39 weeks pregnant and anxiously awaiting the first signs of labour. I have just started to experience a constant pain on the top and in the very middle of my belly. Even to the slightest touch it hurts so bad. Is this a sign that labour is close or what is this??

This is my first baby so I cant say by experience but from what I have read the first signs of labour are different for a lot of women. They do say that frequent-increased braxton hick contractions, back/stomach discomfort that comes & goes in peaks (contractions) are sure signs that your lo is getting ready to arrive or that you are in the early stages of labour beginning to progress. I would say considering you are 39 wks and very very close to being "due" that your body is starting to prepare for your baby's arrival into the world. The uterus, from what I have read/been told, begins contracting at the top (fundus) as this is where it is thickest and this part of the uterus is what contracts to push your baby down towards the birth ca___l and be born.. so considering this is where your discomfort is at the moment is a very positive sign something is going on in there! :) When do you see your Dr/Ob next? Just monitor your contractions, if they come/go, how long they are & how long between each, if they get worse or stay the same or disappear with movement etc. If you dont have any bleeding or warning signs like that then I wouldnt be too worried at this point, sounds like your body is just doing what it is designed to do at this point - prepare for birth. You are not far away I think!! Good Luck & keep us posted! :)

ps - have you had a normal healthy pregnancy so far - you and bub? Just re-read your post in relation to the top of your uterus/stomach being extremely sore to the touch.. it could just be how your baby is lying or pushing into a sensitive position etc but if you have had any history this pregnancy or prior of placental abruptions etc then I would go see your Dr/Ob immediately. If you are unsure about the pain you are experiencing at the moment, I would say it's always better to be safe then sorry - cant exactly say that "oh that is braxton or contractions & nothing to worry about", so dont take our word on here as gospel. Atleast if you pop into the hospital or Dr's they can check your babies vitals (heart beat etc) and also your cervix to see if you have dilated or effaced at all.. this may just help to ease your mind and help you to become more calm with the whole birth/labour that is nearing close. :)

I have an appointment in 2 days i thought i would go into labour prior to then. I have been 2cm dilated for about 21/2 wks and have been losing my mucus plug for about 2weeks or so. This pain just started today but it seems to be getting worse. Should I really go to the hospital? Or should i just wait for my appointment?

What sort of pain is it? Does it come and go or is it constant? Have you tried walking/moving around or lying down to see if that makes it go away at all? Contractions with labour will begin, peak, then level off and disappear until your next contraction minutes later. Braxton Hicks dont tend to progressingly get worse in intensity and dont form a set pattern with peaks and are not set apart like actual labor contractions which may be 5mins apart etc. Considering you lost your mucous plug 2weeks ago and have been dilated for a few weeks usually at 39wks indicates you are not far off giving birth at all - you could very well be in the beginning of labour. If you are at all worried it is better to pop into the hospital for a quick check, at least then you can put your mind at ease. Who knows you may not make it to your check up appointment in 2days time, you could be in the beginnings of labour right now. Either way the hospital is not going to look at you like your silly for coming in, its better to check then sit at home worried out of your mind what is going on. :)

Not to scare you, but abdominal pain of varying degrees, and a contraction that doesn't let up (meaning it peaks and never goes back down) are cla__sic signs of a placental abruption. Where you're having pain, you could be abrupting with blood pooling between your uterus and placenta. Not ever abruption has to have visible bleeding, especially if it's trapped inside. I would report this to your doctor and get on a fetal monitor to make sure the baby isn't in distress.

I think you should go straight to your Dr, that sounds like constant pain, not a contraction that peaks & eases off. I would get it checked out just to be sure everything is okay. Try not to worry yourself, just get to a Dr or hospital for a check up - its always better to be safe then sorry. Let us know what happens. xo